The city of Montreal permits motorists to wear a single earphone while operating a vehicle, but cyclists are prohibited from using any earphones. In 2025, police officers issued 1,600 tickets to cyclists found with earphones, enforcing the distinction set out in the Quebec road safety code.
Under the current regulations, drivers may keep one earphone in place, a concession that acknowledges the prevalence of hands‑free devices while maintaining a level of auditory awareness. The same code, however, expressly forbids cyclists from wearing any earphones, a rule aimed at reducing distractions for riders who are more exposed to traffic hazards.
Montréal Police officers, led by spokesperson François Joly, have been tasked with monitoring compliance. Officers reported that the number of citations issued to cyclists rose throughout the year, reaching the 1,600 figure by the end of 2025. Those cited are required to appear in court or pay the associated fine, according to standard procedure for traffic violations.
The policy reflects a broader safety strategy that treats motorists and cyclists differently because of the distinct risks each group faces. While drivers benefit from a vehicle’s protective enclosure, cyclists rely heavily on their senses to navigate streets, prompting officials to enforce a stricter standard for auditory distraction.
Authorities continue to advise both drivers and cyclists to stay attentive to their surroundings. The enforcement actions taken in 2025 demonstrate the police’s commitment to applying the road safety code as written, without extending the allowance for earphone use to cyclists.